It's just a game.

[Grumm]

The title of this post will come into fruition later in this posting.

I am saying a final goodbye to this game and this website. Not because I don't like the game or this site, but for health reasons.

I am losing ground in my fight with cancer. Sadly, it was 100% avoidable. Soon I will be one of the 1200 people that die everyday from smoking. They say I should have about six more months of normal activity before I can no longer get out of bed.

Instead of just waiting for it to happen, I have decided to see the world and do things I have always wanted to do. You can't take money with you, so I am going to be living the high life while I can. I will leave behind a mother, sister and girlfriend. I can't forget my beloved dog Scooch, aka "Buddy".

I didn't entirely come here to depress everyone though. I also came here to tell everyone that on the 22nd of this month, all my accounts will officaly be at the end of the subscription cycle. On the 2nd of this month, I forefitted all remaining game time. Why tell you this? Well, there will be three houses falling on the GL shard in Malas.

The houses are stuffed will all sorts of things. Many rares, multiple sets of dye tubs, enough resources to GM any craft skill, BODs, armor, and so much more. The list goes on, but I digress. Hopefully you IDOCers out there can determine when they will fall based of the info I gave.

Before I go, I just wanted to say, "It's just a game". After the day is done, it's just a game. No matter what you have acheived or lost, it's just a game. When your family wants to do something, remember it's just a game. It's just a game.

Tomorrow I will be logging off of Stratics for the last time. If there are any questions about the houses, please ask before tomorrow evening. After that, I will be going to live life to the fullest and never look back.

Smoking is bad m'kay!

 

[Budweiser KDL]

.......

 

[Lady_Rachel]

*hugs*

Nothing said will make it better.
What seemed so important yesterday is now trivial.

Go see all you want to see, and do all you want to do.
Let those you like and love spend time with you.
You will live forever in their memories.

Godspeed

 

[Ailish]

My father is in a very similar situation (his case would be smoking & drinking as the main cause of his cancer) and he has made the similar choice to live life while he can. Congrats to you for making that choice - make it the best time of your life!

 

[MalagAste]

Good luck I wish you all the best in what you have left. Life is short... and there is no time to look back and dwell on what was or what could have been.

I hope you enjoy every moment of what you have left. Some may think it sad but you know what time you have.... many of us never do. We leave this world without ever having the chance to do what you are about to do.

Your right it is only a game.... though it is also a community... and I'm sure many will miss you .... Though I can't say as I ever met you I do live on Great Lakes. Though I'm typically not available to do many IDOC's and likely will not see yours fall... I'm sure there are many who appreciate the heads up.

Though pixels at this time are hardly important. I wish you the best, perhaps your message will save someone else from a similar fate.

Best of wishes to you... and your family. You will be added to my prayer list, may your remaining days be filled with joy and laughter.

 

[Konge]

I wish you the best with your plans and do live life to the fullest, I've lost loved ones to cancer via smoking. You will be missed.

 

[gunneroforgin]

May you have fair winds and following seas in what ever you do.

 

[Nok]

Hi Grumm,

Sad to hear your situation, but great to see your spirit. Hope your fight turns around, but also hope your high life is everything it can be.

All the best.

 

[Snakeman]

I lost my dad to the Evil "C" word many yrs ago. So go live life to it's fullest all you can while you can. Go have fun, enjoy friends & family. Our Prayers & Thought will be with you & your family.
Godspeed

 

[Tjalle]

Sorry to hear about your cancer.

You are doing the right thing. Spend your time with your loved ones and do all those things you´ve always wanted to do. There´s no excuse not to.

And when the time comes, I hope it´ll be as painless as possible.

Take care Grumm and enjoy whatever time you have left...

 

[Wallenstein]

The title of this post will come into fruition later in this posting.

I am saying a final goodbye to this game and this website. Not because I don't like the game or this site, but for health reasons.

I am losing ground in my fight with cancer. Sadly, it was 100% avoidable. Soon I will be one of the 1200 people that die everyday from smoking. They say I should have about six more months of normal activity before I can no longer get out of bed.

Instead of just waiting for it to happen, I have decided to see the world and do things I have always wanted to do. You can't take money with you, so I am going to be living the high life while I can. I will leave behind a mother, sister and girlfriend. I can't forget my beloved dog Scooch, aka "Buddy".

I didn't entirely come here to depress everyone though. I also came here to tell everyone that on the 22nd of this month, all my accounts will officaly be at the end of the subscription cycle. On the 2nd of this month, I forefitted all remaining game time. Why tell you this? Well, there will be three houses falling on the GL shard in Malas.

The houses are stuffed will all sorts of things. Many rares, multiple sets of dye tubs, enough resources to GM any craft skill, BODs, armor, and so much more. The list goes on, but I digress. Hopefully you IDOCers out there can determine when they will fall based of the info I gave.

Before I go, I just wanted to say, "It's just a game". After the day is done, it's just a game. No matter what you have acheived or lost, it's just a game. When your family wants to do something, remember it's just a game. It's just a game.

Tomorrow I will be logging off of Stratics for the last time. If there are any questions about the houses, please ask before tomorrow evening. After that, I will be going to live life to the fullest and never look back.

Smoking is bad m'kay!

Grumm, thanks for the inspirational post.. I had an encounter the other day where I volunteer with a man who had burns covering much of his body and one hand missing. As well, his speech was slurred and his responses very slow. I could only imagine what horrible tragedy had happened to him. And, no, it wasn't from birth-- something had happened during his life to cause the burns.

As I saw this I really couldn't believe that I get upset at such small things and forget what life is really all about. I used to get upset when I had a pebble in my shoe; curse if something went wrong; get mad at a family member for not picking up their phone. After seeing this man, it was really a moving thing.

I've been through a lot of really tough financial times in my life and family issues that have plagued us for years. But, you really have to put that aside and realize that regardless of how bad you think you have it, someone else has it worse. This man had one hand. He can never swing a baseball bat (ironically, where I met him was at a baseball game). He can never drive a car with two hands. He will never do a standard pushup, complete a pullup, or be able to make a grilled cheese sandwich with his two hands.

Not that that directly relates to you, but your post reminded me of what I learned last week. I'm sorry to see you go and would love for you to update me-- if not the entire community-- on your adventures. Please, it would be great to see from time to time how you are enjoying your time outside of the realm.

All the best, and stay strong.

Edit: I put an icon, entitled 'Grumm', on the bottom of all UOLedger.com pages linking to this thread. Hopefully you don't mind.

 

[lankdogg03]

Grumm, i never played GL so i dont know you personally but i wish you the best in the time that you have remaining and i will keep you in my prayers

 

[Nvnter]

Best Wishes and see it all!

 

[Harlequin]

I'm very glad you are so positive about this!

Just hope I can handle it as gracefully as you have when my time comes.

Everyone dies sooner or later, the human body has a limited shelf life even if you don't get into accidents. As long as you have no regrets eh!

I smoke too (I'm cutting down), and make it a point to live life happily and to its fullest everyday.

Incidentally, one of my ex colleagues just passed away from a relaspe of lung cancer 2 weeks ago. Non smoker. She had a gift of 5 extra years to do what she had always wanted, signed a dnr and her family says she passed on with a smile.

Fair winds on all your journeys!

 

[Arrgh]

Wow that's heavy stuff Grumm. I sure hope you get to do all you want to do. I'm totally impressed by your attitude, if you've lived life the way you are speaking now I bet you have a lot of adventures under your belt and I hope you can score many more as you get out and see the world.

God Bless you.

 

[red sky]

That's a sad thing to hear. I have thought about what I'd do in situations like that all the time. Do whatever you've always wanted to do. Live life to the fullest.

 

[hawkeye_pike]

You're absolutely right. It's just a game.
People will remember you nevertheless.

 

[Sarsmi]

It is just a game, but I have (and lots of people have) met others who are special to me. It's the community that is important...

I lost my dad years ago to cancer, and I miss him all the time. I hope you have a wonderful six months, make lots of memories for your family!

Good luck to you! *hugs*

 

[mutau]

Have a great time traveling and seeing the world. Your strength is inspiring!

 

[pgcd]

It's just a game.

Yep, and it's nice to be in your team.

 

[jbfortune]

Sorry to hear that. Hope everything goes as smoothly as possible for you.

I hope you drop some good loot

 

[Black Sun]

This thread has turned my day around for the better. Now, before anyone thinks I'm some sick twisted monster taking pleasure in someone's pain, let me explain.

This morning I woke up late, and didn't let the dog out first thing. Instead I got right in the shower. When I got out I saw that the dog had pooped on the rug. Cleaning up that mess put be further behind schedule. Then on the way to work I got stuck behind an elderly couple who were not in as much as a hurry as I was. I cursed them for making me later, and was thankful when they turned off my route so I could continue on my way at my own pace. When I walked into the office I was greeted by a blast of hot air, somebody had turned off the air conditioner last night before we left. I just knew this was going to be a horrible day.

Then I sat down and checked my mail and stratics, Just like I do every day. I found this thread, and suddenly having to clean up after a puppy, being a few minutes late to work, and having to wait for the office to cool down didn't seem like so much of a problem. Thank you for putting everything in perspective for me.

I don't know you, but I still feel a sense of loss. It's a horrible thing you are dealing with, and I wish you the best in your remaining time. May you be surrounded by friends and family, and nothing but joy in the months ahead.

 

[kelmo]

Do not go gentle into that good night
by Dylan Thomas



Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.


Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

 

[BajaElladan]

Hail Grumm & Folks,

It IS a game, but also a Virtual World populated by many folks, most imaginative, creative, wonderful folks.

All of my UO characters and me, wish you the very best in what time God gives you in this world. However, eternity is forever. I hope you already know Christ as your Savior. However, if you do not, I pray during your remaining days that you will seek Him.

I truly hope to spend eternity with you in Heaven.

In June of this year one of my friends and co-workers for the past 28 years died from lung cancer related complications.

None of us are promised tomorrow in this life.

All of us are offered eternity with Christ through His salvation.

Be as well as you may, Grumm, but find and accept Christ so you and I may spend eternity together.

May God bless and keep you,

Elladan of Baja & Chas of Columbus, Ohio

 

[Gladius]

Grumm,

If part of your itinerary is in the exotic Far East I would be more than happy to meet you and share a beer! PM if ever Good Journey to you and you are correct it's really just a game.

-G-

 

[RavenWinterHawk]

Hmm.
My hopes are with you.
I hope your travels bring you comfort.
And more so I hope you travel with or find people in your travels to simple enjoy what you discover.

Peace.

 

[Leaf]

Grumm, I have never met you but I wish you a wonderful journey. Each day is a blessing and I pray that you will be able to embrace each day for the blessing that it is and live life to the fullest. Safe Journeys...

 

[Surgeries]

I'm very glad you are so positive about this!

Just hope I can handle it as gracefully as you have when my time comes.

Everyone dies sooner or later, the human body has a limited shelf life even if you don't get into accidents. As long as you have no regrets eh!

I smoke too (I'm cutting down), and make it a point to live life happily and to its fullest everyday.

Incidentally, one of my ex colleagues just passed away from a relaspe of lung cancer 2 weeks ago. Non smoker. She had a gift of 5 extra years to do what she had always wanted, signed a dnr and her family says she passed on with a smile.

Fair winds on all your journeys!

I hope this message finds Open Minds, and willing hearts.

I smoked 38 years, and thought for sure I would smoke until I died...I was just sure I liked it that much *Vomits*

My sister sent me this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Way-Stop-Smoking-Non-Smokers/dp/1402718616

I let is sit on a shelf for 6 months, before my wife finally bugged me enough to read it.

The great news for me was that I was supposed to smoke just like I always did, as I read the book...no cutting down...just keep on smoking.

I figured "What do I have to lose? I'll read the book...I'll keep smoking...Perfect!!"

Not so.

A person that finishes that extremely easy to read book that smokes cigarettes, chews tobacco, uses nicotine in ANY form can easily stop. And they will. All it takes is to do exactly what the author tells you to do (Keep smoking, listen to his message carefully, do NOT cut down, etc.). It friggin works. No black lung pictures...none of that...just amazingly simple and oft overlooked logic.

Every single person (24 so far) that I have told about that book that did any of the a fore-mentioned activities has stopped, and never craved one afterward.

My wife's dentist (father and son team)...the son smoked...read the book at my Wife's insistence...he stopped Easily, and now simply gives the book out to anyone that wants one.

To put this in perspective for everyone...so you can truly understand the power of the book...

My father was 86 years old, and I went to take him to dinner, on Valentine's Day,in 2006. Short Story: That was Dad's day to be called...he died in the hallway heading down to dinner of a massive coronary, right in front of me. Right in front of me.

I had thought I smoked because I got Stress Relief from it (we all "Get Something" from it, we think). If watching your Father die isn't stressful, I am just not sure what is stressful.

I had stopped on October 30th of the previous year...my Dad's death happened four months later...I had no desire, or urge, or craving to smoke. I knew it wouldn't help. But had that happened a year prior, I would have smoked two packs that night.

You will not see the book advertised, and I hope lots of smokers who want to stop, but have tried and failed, read this post.

Go buy the book...read a chapter a night. Buy the book for a loved one, and BUG THEM!!!!

Before you know it, you and/or they will be free of that awful substance...for ever!

 

[Cailleach]

May you have -
Walls for the wind
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks bedside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire
- Celtic Blessing


Peace and blessings for you and yours Grumm. We've never met, but should your travels bring you here, be assured of a warm welcome, friendly faces and good company.

 

[Harlequin]

I hope this message finds Open Minds, and willing hearts.

I smoked 38 years, and thought for sure I would smoke until I died...I was just sure I liked it that much *Vomits*

My sister sent me this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Way-Stop-Smoking-Non-Smokers/dp/1402718616

I let is sit on a shelf for 6 months, before my wife finally bugged me enough to read it.

The great news for me was that I was supposed to smoke just like I always did, as I read the book...no cutting down...just keep on smoking.

I figured "What do I have to lose? I'll read the book...I'll keep smoking...Perfect!!"

Not so.

A person that finishes that extremely easy to read book that smokes cigarettes, chews tobacco, uses nicotine in ANY form can easily stop. And they will. All it takes is to do exactly what the author tells you to do (Keep smoking, listen to his message carefully, do NOT cut down, etc.). It friggin works. No black lung pictures...none of that...just amazingly simple and oft overlooked logic.

Every single person (24 so far) that I have told about that book that did any of the a fore-mentioned activities has stopped, and never craved one afterward.

My wife's dentist (father and son team)...the son smoked...read the book at my Wife's insistence...he stopped Easily, and now simply gives the book out to anyone that wants one.

To put this in perspective for everyone...so you can truly understand the power of the book...

My father was 86 years old, and I went to take him to dinner, on Valentine's Day,in 2006. Short Story: That was Dad's day to be called...he died in the hallway heading down to dinner of a massive coronary, right in front of me. Right in front of me.

I had thought I smoked because I got Stress Relief from it (we all "Get Something" from it, we think). If watching your Father die isn't stressful, I am just not sure what is stressful.

I had stopped on October 30th of the previous year...my Dad's death happened four months later...I had no desire, or urge, or craving to smoke. I knew it wouldn't help. But had that happened a year prior, I would have smoked two packs that night.

You will not see the book advertised, and I hope lots of smokers who want to stop, but have tried and failed, read this post.

Go buy the book...read a chapter a night. Buy the book for a loved one, and BUG THEM!!!!

Before you know it, you and/or they will be free of that awful substance...for ever!

Read the reviews, damn, those are really good reviews. I'll grab a copy over the weekend, thanks for the link! If it works, you bet I'll post about it!

 

[Littleblue]

I wish you the very best in your adventures ahead, and also pray for strength, peace, and no pain when the time comes...hopefully that is much, much further into the future than your doctor has perceived.

Your courage and wonderful attitude are beautiful. Your time and attention is the greatest gift you could ever give to your family and friends. Thank you for sharing your story!

 

[Surgeries]

Read the reviews, damn, those are really good reviews. I'll grab a copy over the weekend, thanks for the link! If it works, you bet I'll post about it!

My sister read the book in one night. That was six years ago

You are as close to being free from that crap as you have ever been!

Buying the book is the toughest part.

Reading it (once you actually start to read it), and stopping smoking...

Easy, indeed.

 

[Sarsmi]

Read the reviews, damn, those are really good reviews. I'll grab a copy over the weekend, thanks for the link! If it works, you bet I'll post about it!

My sister read the book in one night. That was six years ago

You are as close to being free from that crap as you have ever been!

Buying the book is the toughest part.

Reading it (once you actually start to read it), and stopping smoking...

Easy, indeed.

I read that book and quit smoking after I read it too.

What it really does for you is give you a different way to view your smoking addiction and make it possible for you to choose to quit. I do miss it sometimes, not the actual smoking but the activity and distraction, I used to smoke and sit outside and read and that was a nice little break from whatever i was doing.

Anyways, quitting wasn't so tough after all.

 

[Maplestone]

Hi Grumm,

My sympathies and best wishes for you and your family.

*meditates upon your departing words*

 

[Lady Michelle]

My 3 year old niece one day came up to me, ask me if I would play barbies with her. I told her Im playing my game right now. She told me it's just a game, you can play later. Not wanting her to think the game was more important than she is I logged off. While we were playing with her barbies for about 5 minutes she tells me she will be right back. 2 minutes go by so I get up to see where she is. She was on my computer playing her game. Ok I was tricked by a 3 year old. lol I now take the time to do things with her like playing with her toys watching movies with her, or taking the dog out in the back yard and lettiing them both run around when she asks. because I know I can play later when she is sleeping.
I wish you the best and hope you see everything you plan on seeing.

 

[Alyssa of ATL]

We've never met, but I'll have good thoughts for you and your loved ones.
Thank you for sharing your post, it's inspirational.

 

[Trebr Drab]

I hope this message finds Open Minds, and willing hearts.

I smoked 38 years, and thought for sure I would smoke until I died...I was just sure I liked it that much *Vomits*

My sister sent me this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Way-Stop-Smoking-Non-Smokers/dp/1402718616

I let is sit on a shelf for 6 months, before my wife finally bugged me enough to read it.

The great news for me was that I was supposed to smoke just like I always did, as I read the book...no cutting down...just keep on smoking.

I figured "What do I have to lose? I'll read the book...I'll keep smoking...Perfect!!"

Not so.

A person that finishes that extremely easy to read book that smokes cigarettes, chews tobacco, uses nicotine in ANY form can easily stop. And they will. All it takes is to do exactly what the author tells you to do (Keep smoking, listen to his message carefully, do NOT cut down, etc.). It friggin works. No black lung pictures...none of that...just amazingly simple and oft overlooked logic.

Every single person (24 so far) that I have told about that book that did any of the a fore-mentioned activities has stopped, and never craved one afterward.

My wife's dentist (father and son team)...the son smoked...read the book at my Wife's insistence...he stopped Easily, and now simply gives the book out to anyone that wants one.

To put this in perspective for everyone...so you can truly understand the power of the book...

My father was 86 years old, and I went to take him to dinner, on Valentine's Day,in 2006. Short Story: That was Dad's day to be called...he died in the hallway heading down to dinner of a massive coronary, right in front of me. Right in front of me.

I had thought I smoked because I got Stress Relief from it (we all "Get Something" from it, we think). If watching your Father die isn't stressful, I am just not sure what is stressful.

I had stopped on October 30th of the previous year...my Dad's death happened four months later...I had no desire, or urge, or craving to smoke. I knew it wouldn't help. But had that happened a year prior, I would have smoked two packs that night.

You will not see the book advertised, and I hope lots of smokers who want to stop, but have tried and failed, read this post.

Go buy the book...read a chapter a night. Buy the book for a loved one, and BUG THEM!!!!

Before you know it, you and/or they will be free of that awful substance...for ever!

Read the reviews, damn, those are really good reviews. I'll grab a copy over the weekend, thanks for the link! If it works, you bet I'll post about it!

I think I'm going to do this too. I can see where it's going, and it just makes sense that it'll work. I always liked smoking, and that just doesn't make sense at all, logically thinking.

 

[MorganaMischef]

“Look, Silver. I saw one of those deer in UO. And isn’t that oak just like the one near Vesper? OMG, and the dirt. This is fertile dirt, just like they use for the plants there. Wow - that’s a real cactus – ah – what a pretty flower. We’ll have a garden, just like in Haven.

And the birds, Silver. There’s a cardinal and a sparrow. Let’s feed them and see what happens.”

And so we did. We put corn out for the deer. And we put birdseed in our makeshift bird feeder…just like we would have done in Britannia. We fed carrots to the rabbits until they became tame enough to look forward to our visits. The birds sing every morning as they take their little baths and chow down on the sunflower seeds - their favorite.

We learned from UO. We learned different tree names and names for the birds. We haven’t killed or skinned a deer, but we’ll understand the concept if we need it. Maybe we’ll become tamers. We certainly have been called to be guardians.

No, we didn’t find a different game to play. This is real life. And in a not too distant future, I will permanently cut the ties to Britannia – forever – in exchange for this beautiful world – called Earth.

Congratulations to you Grumm. Not on dying of course – but on finding the courage to live.

Reba

 

[Mook Chessy]

Dude, I can tell by your post you love UO so I say take it with you! make your first purchase a laptop and take us with you!

I have had a few family members go down your road and it does lead to bed/chair with a little help breathing. I think when that time comes a little UO might feel good. For the next few months go crazy IRL, then as things slow down go crazy IN game!! take all your char red, drop your houses, go nuts!!

Real life will be long and uncomfortable at best, what better time to slip in a fantasy world!!

Remember its just a game, that dosent have to end!!!

Whatever you do, thank you for your post! if it gets one person to quit smoking you saved a life!!!

Rock and Roll all the way out!!!

 

[Jade of Sonoma]

Grumm, dear Grumm!

Many Hugs ... go! Enjoy!! Your dream of longevity may be ruined but your life is still extremely precious! - every day of it. You aren't going to give up yet! Who knows what miracles may ...

Don't blame yourself for the %100 avoidable. It's the greed in our society placing $$$$ over human life that did this to you. Why, otherwise, are so many other people addicted to something? Why do teenagers still take up smoking, alcohol and other drugs, despite all the warnings? NO ONE WANTS TO BE ADDICTED TO ANYTHING THAT IS HARMFUL. It starts as something that eases the pain, or worries in life and along comes someone who is only too happy to exploit the needs of people with problems to make a buck. Everyone needs education about addictions/peer pressure/depression ... from reliable experienced honest helpful people. The innocent can so easily be corrupted by experienced people who use every trick to entice others down the wrong path, with no compunctions about how many lives they put in jeopardy, as long as they can make money any which way possible.

As Tom Hanks put it in the movie 'You've Got Mail':
"It's strictly business. There's nothing personal about it."

It is personal. Nothing wrong with that, Grumm!!

This is a game? (UO being a reflection of real life can make real life seem like a game but anticipation of real human behavior is the basis of UO operations.)

This is a precious life. Nothing wrong with that, either, Grumm!

(.. as a friend once said to me, "We all need hugs!")
so .. more hugs, Grumm! Go! ENJOY your life to the fullest!!

Thanks Surgeries for that link... that book sounds positively great. Will get a few copies to spread around. Harlequin, you are so right. That book has the greatest reviews!
http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Way-Stop-Smoking-Non-Smokers/dp/1402718616

 

[Magdalene]

Thank you ... for posting, for sharing, for putting a few things into perspective for us.
As far as we know - we have one life, and whatever is or is not on the other side... what we have here needs to be enjoyed and lived while we can, while we are here, in this most perfect of imperfect worlds.

Have fun, chin up... keep your style.
*hat off*

 

[Grumm]

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your kind words. Getting a little choked up typing this.

While I have not set all the activities I want to do in stone, I have set up my first adventure. I have never been to Las Vegas, so Saturday I fly to Sin City for 3 days of fun. From there, I fly to florida to meet up with my mother and sister. This visit will be the toughest for me.

We have never been a close family and generally only get together for deaths in the family. I am determined to make this as positive as possible. Part of me wants to not tell them I don't have alot of time left, but part of me wants to. I am still torn on this decision. I want closure but I don't want to devastate them. My sister recently lost her husband to a reckless driver and I don't know if she can handle this.

On the other hand, I do not want them to hear about my passing by a third party. Maybe there was something they always wanted to tell me but was waiting for the right time. To deny them that would be selfish of me.

When I said that it's just a game, I did not mean to imply that there wasn't community. Was I was trying to say, was that we can't forget those around us for the sake of this game or any other. I have seen marriages fall apart and people lose everything for one more hour of gaming.

While I can not change what has happened to me, maybe others will read this and re evaluate their addiction to nicotine. A book was referenced and as far as I can tell , is a must read for those trying to break the stranglehold of nicotine addiction. The government is going to start regulating tobacco and hopefully from that we can start to see people breaking free from their smoking shackles. If you do smoke, ask yourself this question. Do you really want to know how you're going to die? Slow and painful was not my first choice and hopefully it's not yours.

Quit while you can. Quit while there is still a chance at recovery.

I'll be checking back throughout the evening while I prepare for my grand adventures. I wish you all the best and hope that my sad story opened a few eyes to the end result of smoking.

 

[Nenime]

While sadness is the last thing you need, you'll probably understand that everyone reading this is extremly unhappy. But take this a sign of emotional attachment and spiritual affinity. Actually, time doesn't matter on the other side and quite soon we'll join ya. So save us some places up there - preferably with a good ping. I wish you all the fun in Las Vegas. Get them! Break the bank!

Your wise words regarding nicotine will not be forgotten. I'll refer to them.

See ya, Grummy

 

[kelmo]

Grumm. Again, another speaks my thoughts better than I ever could. We all get there. Some of us are on the fast track. *smiles*

We will be here. The collective we, that is. The community that is Stratics. The community that is UO. The community that reaches across vast spaces to come together and help one another.

My first post was a poem. This one is kinda 21st century...

[YOUTUBE]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6xSGLZd9Vg4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6xSGLZd9Vg4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/YOUTUBE]

 

[IanJames]

Safe Travels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HuCX3zhCKU

 

[Harlequin]

Grumm,

Regarding whether you should tell your folks, maybe this might help with the decision - no matter how distant you have become, if it was the other way around, would you want them to tell you?

Also, Mook has a great idea, buy a laptop + digital cam and bring us with ya!



@Jade, the link was actually from Surgeries

@Kelmo & Ian, nice songs!

 

[Arrgh]

Grumm, I believe you're absolutely right-on about taking time to spend with loved ones or to get out and be a part of life. I will say that I've made friends with people ingame that I wouldn't trade for a 12 year old loaded idoc and a supreme pizza all to myself (who am I kidding I wouldn't trade them for anything).

Getting some vitamin B converted to serotonin from time out in the sun be it in your backyard, front porch, BBQ (mmh) or Vegas rays is a wonderful thing. I hope all your days are nice, sunny and perfect as they can be as you go about your adventures. Fyi, Make sure you don't eat if you hit the Stratosphere Tower and take the fast way down while you are in Vegas.

God Bless you.


Btw Vegas a couple of weeks ago was about 115 in the shade soooo...take shorts.

 

[Surgeries]

I think I'm going to do this too. I can see where it's going, and it just makes sense that it'll work. I always liked smoking, and that just doesn't make sense at all, logically thinking.

Once you read the book, you will definitely find it very easy to stop, based on that statement, alone.

Sarsmi hit the nail right on the head. People who smoke get tricked into thinking that smoking cigarettes is somehow giving them something, or doing something for them....in reality, it does nothing. At all, and never can.

The book simply helps you see that very,very clearly. And in a way that does make just a ton of good sense. It's written by an accountant, so it isn't medical-ese...it just works.

And Grumm...please do not give up hope! I know many people that had a negative prognosis by a doctor, that lived 15 or 20 years past the time the doctors gave them to live. One person in particular had emphysema, and what the doctors were certain was terminal lung disease...they gave him 6 months at the most.

Seek out another opinion...look into the Cancer Care Centers in Seattle WA. The Fred Hutchinson center is amazing.

Hope is the main thing...please don't give up! My thoughts and prayers are with you. I admire you deeply for the courage to do what your heart tells you is right. It sounds like you also have incredible family and loved ones.

We are called, when it's our time, and until my or your time comes...let's fill the in between with the best we have, and that's the best we can do.

God Speed to you...I am rooting for you!!

 

[Sabbath]

Just wanted to echo the sentiments of all these wonderful folks. What a great community! You have been a part of something wonderful, both virtually and this incredible journey called life. When the truly important stuff comes into focus, it's easy to count your blessings.

Best Wishes!

 

[Siteswap]

Good luck and safe travels Grumm.

Siteswap